Container with closure and dispensing valve



May 22, 1956 J, T. EFFORD ET AL 2,746,647

CONTAINER WITH CLOSURE AND DISPENSING VALVE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 27, 1950 7 Jaw/v .7

LNVENTORS FPO/P0 C/ fiu's P #077399 CONTAINER WITH CLOSURE AND DISPENSING VALVE Filed July 27, 1950 May 22, 1956 J. T. EFFORD ET AL 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent CONTAINER WITH CLOSURE AND DISPENSING VALVE John T. Efford and Charles P. Mottram, Stratford, Conn., assignors to Bridgeport Brass Company, Bridgeport, Conn, a corporation of Connecticut Application July 27, 1950, Serial No. 176,108

4 Claims. (0122-130) chandising period, which adequately protects the nozzle valve against contamination during this period, which provides visual assurance to the customer that the package has not been used, which has a nozzle valve of adequate reliability to work satisfactorily during the dispensing period, and which may be made inexpensively enough to permit the entire package to be thrown away by the user after it is empty. Other objects may become apparent from the following disclosure, it being understood that the new package is adapted for use in connection with products other than whipped cream, that the principles of the present invention may be embodied in various forms, and that separate parts may prove to be useful in other fields.

Generally speaking, this invention is embodied by a package including, in combination, a container having an outlet hole, a combination seal and valve seat located in this hole, and a nozzle valve constructed for association with this combination seal and valve seat, by the user of the package, and to open the seal when it is so associated. The container is formed with a recessed wall in which the nozzle valve is positioned, by the manufacturer, with a removable cover applied over the recessed wall to retain and protect the nozzle valve. This cover is made so that it must be destroyed before access can be gained to the nozzle valve.

This package is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, the various figures being as follows:

Fig. 1 is a top view of the package.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the package with the upper portion broken away to show the nozzle valve positioned in the recessed wall and retained by the cover.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the nozzle valve.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on the line 4-4 in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section showing the top of the package with the cover removed, and showing the nozzle valve associated with the seal and valve seat and ready to open the seal.

Fig. 6 is the same as Fig. 5 excepting that it shows the nozzle valve completely associated with the seal and valve seat.

Fig. 7 shows the device as it is operated by the user to dispense the contents of the package.

This illustrated package uses acontainer 1 in the form of a cylindrical can of the type commercially available A 2,746,647 Patented May 22, 1956 for containing fluid under pressure. The illustrated can end 2 is concave so that it forms a recessed or depressed wall. This can end has a centrally positioned hole 3 through which the can is charged with the cream charged with nitrous oxide, or otherwise gassed.

An elastically deformable, tubular plug 4 is tightly pressed partly through the hole 3. This plug has mutually opposed, flange surfaces 5 respectively pressing tightly against the inside and outside of the can end 2. This plug has a tapered'inner shank 6 and a cylindrical outer shank 7, which respectively extend from the flange surfaces 5 in mutually opposite directions The inside or bore 8 of the plug is closed by a transverse web 9. All of the parts of this plug are integral, the plug comprising a unitary molding of material which may be elastically deformed manually by ordinary finger pressure. The opposing flange surfaces 5 form a groove between the shanks 6 and 7. The shank 7 has an approximately hemispherical base 10.

When the manufacturer loads the can 1 with the gassed cream, the plug 4 is placed in the hole 3 to maintain the pressure on the loaded product. The inner end of the plugs shank 6 has a diameter no greater than the hole 3, so this tapered shank 6 may be pushed through the hole 3, the shank deforming as required and elastically springing apart when the large end of the shank 6 clears the can end 2 surrounding the hole 3. The diameter of the plug between the flange surfaces 5 is somewhat larger than the diameter of the hole 3, when the plug is undeformed, and the flange surfaces 5 'are spaced apart from each other somewhat less than the thickness of the can end 2, also when the plug is undeformed. Therefore, the plug forms a tight fit when installed and prevents the escape of pressure from the can.

Pressure cannot escape through the inside of the bore 8, of the tubular plug 4, because of the web 9. This functions as a diaphragm and is made sufficiently thick to withstand the pressure in the can. However, this web 9 is not so thick that it cannot .be ruptured by a pointed tool pushed against it manually by using normal finger pressure.

The nozzle valve 11 is separably retained on the can end 2 by a cover in the form of a flat disk comprising a transparent panel 12 having a frame 13 fitting the periphery of the can end. This frame 13 is applied so that it cannot be removed without giving physical evidence of its removal. This cover and the recessed can end cooperatively define an enclosure. As illustrated, this frame 13 is clinched under the can end periphery at 14, and the frame 13 is made of material preventing its tight reapplication when once removed.

All of the parts of the nozzle valve 11 are dimensioned so that the nozzle valve can nest in the concave can end 2 inside of the cover formed by the panel 12 and frame 13. This nozzle valve has an abutment surface 15 and a valve stem 16 projecting from this surface 15 and terminating with an enlarged pointed head 17. This stem, including its head 17, is proportioned so that it can be pressed through the inside or bore 8 of the plug 4 to rupture the web 9, the plug elastically deforming to permit the insertion of this stem. The stem is further proportioned so that, when fully installed, its head 17 projects inwardly beyond the inner end of the plugs inner shank 6 with the abutment surface 15 engaging the outer end of the plugs outer shank 7 and compressing it longitudinally with consequent elastic lateral bulging of the outer shank 7. I

The pointed end of the head 17 facilitates rupturing the web 9, and the inner periphery outwardly facing surface of this head 17 is formed to provide an annular bevel 18 which cooperates with the inner end of theshank 6 to function as a valve. This inner end of the shank 6 provides a valve seat. The nozzle valve has a duct opening from the outer facing surface or bevel of the stems head 17, by way of holes 19, this duct going longitudinally through the nozzle valve and opening therefrom outwardly beyond the abutment surface 15.

As illustrated, the valve stem 16 tapers slightly from the abutment surface to the enlarged head 17. This stem 16 is dimensioned so that it forms a press-fit with the bore 8 of the plug 4 throughout this bores length. The bore is cylindrical, so this press-fit is progresisvely tighter from the inner end of the shank 6 to the outer end of the shank 7 of the plug 4. The abutment surface 15 and the heads annular bevel 18 are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the length of the plug 4 when the latter is undeformed.

A single integral molding of rigid material, such as a suitable plastic, may comprise the entire nozzle valve. In addition to the valve stem already described, this nozzle valve has a cylindrical outer or nozzle shank 20 which projects from the surface 15 respecting the valve stem 16. The surface 15 is formed by the inner face of a flat cross bar 21 extending transversely from the outer end of the stem 16 and providing a purchase for a persons fingers straddling the nozzle shank 20. The stem 16 has an axial bore 22, and the nozzle piece 20 has an axial bore 23 of larger diameter extending up through to the end of the nozzle shank and opening to the bore 22. Thus the previously mentioned duct or passageway is formed, the outer end of the nozzle shank 20 being open. The nozzle shank 20, at its outer end, is provided with a plurality of longitudinal solts 24.

With the package manufactured as described, the customer or user can tell, prior to purchasing the package, whether or not it has been tamepered with or partly used. The described cover provides the indication, and this cover also protects the nozzle piece and the entire can end against contamination.

In using the device, the frame 13 is pulled from the can so as to destroy the clinched portion 14. Then the nozzle piece is picked up and its pointed end is pushed into the outer end of the shank 7 of the plug 4. This ruptures the web 9 and forces the nozzle valve head 11 to go beyond the inner end of the inner shank 6 of the plug 5. This opens the holes 19 so that the whipped cream is dispensed.

As the Whipped cream enters the enlarged bore 23, of the nozzle valve, it has an opportunity for preliminary expansion, and as it exits through the nozzle valve it laterally expands through the slots 24 so as to puff out and provide the characteristic texture and attractive appearance associated with whipped cream. The nozzle valve, of course, is manipulated by using two fingers straddling its nozzle shank 20 and pressed inwardly on the finger cross bar 21.

Since, in opening the valve, the outer shank 6 of the plug 4 is considerably compressed elastically, by the finger pressure, it elastically bulges laterally, to a greater degree. This may be seen by comparing Fig. 7, showing the effect with the pressure, and Fig. 6, showing the effect when the pressure is removed. The extra resiliency thus imparted to the shank 7 provides a stronger elastic or spring-bias tending to close the valve by pushing against the nozzle piece surface 15 and pulling outwardly the head 17 so as to cause the latters bevel 18 to seat against the inner end of the inner shank 6. The valve is inherently a normally closed valve.

When the finger pressure is removed so that the valve closes, an effective seal is established. The tapered shape of the inner shank 6 of the plug 4 tends to support this inner shank against excessive deformation. The cylindrical shape of the shank 6 tends to concentrate the elastic deformation in this shank, and since this shank is always deformed to some degree it always has enough resiliency to properly seal the valve closed. The internal package pressure also helps in tightly closing the valve. The base 10 of the outer shank 7 of the plug 4 is effective in preventing this plug from being pushed completely through the hole 3, as by an over-enthusiastic application of finger pressure, to the cross bar 21, by the user.

Since the new package comprises only the inexpensive can, commercially obtainable from can manufacturers, and the small plug 4, nozzle piece 11, and the described cover I parts, the manufacturing cost may be kept low enough to permit the entire package to be thrown away when empty. Plastics manufacturers can commercially provide suitable plastics for making the elastically deformable plug and rigid nozzle, and these parts may be produced at relatively low costs.

The taper of the valve stem 16 causes high sealing pressure by the plugs inside against the stern near the outer end of the shank 7, where the relative motion between the stem and shank are slight, with this pressure decreasing inwardly in general proportion to the increase in the relative motion between the stem and the tubular plugs parts. This relative motion varies because the valve stem is rigid while the plugs parts elastically deform during operation of the valve. The described action aids in attaining the easy-operating characteristics desired in a device of this character.

We claim:

1. A package including, in combination, a container having a recessed wall with a hole therethrough, an elastically deformable tubular plug pressed partly through said hole and having mutually opposed flange surfaces respectively pressing against the inside and outside of said wall and having a tapered inner shank and a cylindrical outer shank which respectively extend from said flange surfaces in mutually opposite directions and with a bore closed by a transverse Web, a removable cover spanning said depressed wall and defining therewith an enclosure, and a nozzle valve positioned inside of said enclosure and removable therefrom when said cover is removed and having an abutment surface and a valve stem projecting therefrom with an enlarged pointed head having an outwardly facing annular surface, said stem being proportioned respecting said plug so that when said nozzle valve is removed from said enclosure it can be pressed through the inside of said plug to pierce said web with said pointed head and so that said head projects beyond the inner end of said plugs inner shank with the latter engaged by said annular surface and with said abutment surface engaging the outer end of said plugs outer shank and elastically compressing it longitudinally with consequent elastic lateral bulging of said outer shank, said nozzle valve having a duct opening from adjacent to said annular surface of said stems head and going longitudinally through said nozzle valve and opening therefrom outwardly beyond said abutment surface.

2. A package including, in combination, a container having a recessed wall with a hole therethrough, an elastically deformable tubular plug pressed partly through said hole and having mutually opposed flange surfaces respectively pressing against the inside and outside of said wall and having a tapered inner shank and a cylindrical outer shank which respectively extend from said flange surfaces in mutually opposite directions and with a bore closed by a transverse web, a removable cover spanning said depressed wall and defining therewith an enclosure, and a nozzle valve positioned inside of said enclosure and removable therefrom when said cover is removed and having an abutment surface and a valve stem projecting therefrom with an enlarged pointed head having an outwardly facing annular surface, said stem being proportioned respecting said plug so that when said nozzle valve is removed from said enclosure it can be pressed through the inside of said plug to pierce said web with said pointed head and so that said head projects beyond the inner end of said plugs inner shank with the latter engaged by said annular surface and with said abutment surface engaging the outer end of said plugs outer shank and elastically compressing it longitudinally with consequent elastic lateral bulging of said outer shank, said nozzle valve having a duct opening from adjacent to said annular surface of said stems head and going longitudinally through said nozzle valve and opening therefrom outwardly beyond said abutment surface, said container comprising a cylindrical can having a concave end forming said recessed wall, said valve stem having a transverse finger bar providing said abutment surface, and said cover comprising a flat disk mounted by the periphery of said can at said can end.

3. A package including, in combination, a container having a recessed wall with a hole therethrough, an elastically deformable tubular plug pressed partly through said hole and having mutually opposed flange surfaces respectively pressing against the inside and outside of said wall and having a tapered inner shank and a cylindrical outer shank which respectively extend from said flange surfaces in mutually opposite directions and with a bore closed by a transverse web, a removable cover spanning said depressed wall and defining therewith an enclosure, and a nozzle valve positioned inside of said enclosure and removable therefrom when said cover is removed and having an abutment surface and a valve stem projecting therefrom with an enlarged pointed head having an outwardly facing annular surface, said stem being proportioned respecting said plug so that when said nozzle valve is removed from said enclosure it can be pressed through the inside of said plug to pierce said web with said pointed head and so that said head projects beyond the inner end of said plugs inner shank with the latter engaged by said annular surface and with said abutment surface engaging the outer end of said plugs outer shank and elastically compressing it longitudinally with consequent elastic lateral bulging of said outer shank, said nozzle valve having a duct opening from adjacent to said annular surface of said stems head and going longitudinally through said nozzle valve and opening therefrom outwardly beyond said abutment surface, the inner end of said tubular plugs tapered inner shank having a diameter no greater than the diameter of said hole in said wall, and said valve stem tapering slightly from said abutment surface to said enlarged head and forming a press-fit with the inside of said tubular plug.

4. A package including, in combination, a container having a recessed wall with a hole therethrough, an elastically deformable tubular plug pressed partly through said hole and having mutually opposed flange surfaces respectively pressing against the inside and outside of said wall and having a tapered inner shank and a cylindrical outer shank which respectively extend from said flange surfaces in mutually opposite directions and with a bore closed by a transverse web, a removable cover spanning said depressed wall and defining therewith an enclosure, and a nozzle valve positioned inside of said enclosure and removable therefrom when said cover is removed and having an abutment surface and a valve stem projecting therefrom with an enlarged pointed head having an outwardly facing annular surface, said stem being proportioned respecting said plug so that when said nozzle valve is removed from said enclosure it can be pressed through the inside of said plug to pierce said web with said pointed head and so that said head projects beyond the inner end of said plugs inner shank with the latter engaged by said annular surface and with said abutment surface engaging the outer end of said plugs outer shank and elastically compressing it longitudinally with consequent elastic lateral bulging of said outer shank, said nozzle valve having a duct opening from adjacent to said annular surface of said stems head and going longitudinally through said nozzle valve and opening therefrom outwardly beyond said abutment surface, said container comprising a cylindrical can having a concave end forming said recessed wall, said valve stem having a transverse finger bar providing said abutment surface, and said cover comprising a flat disk mounted by the periphery of said can at said can end, the inner end of said tubular plugs tapered inner shank having a diameter no greater than the diameter of said hole in said wall, and said valve stem tapering slightly from said abutment surface to said enlarged head and forming a press-fit with the inside of said tubular plug.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 162,134 Wood Apr. 13, 1875 670,794 Lott Mar. 26, 1901 1,276,698 Knapp Aug. 20, 1918 1,869,049 Card July 26, 1932 1,907,301 Martin May 2, 1933 1,912,439 Feller June 6, 1933 2,294,172 Getz Aug. 25, 1942 2,412,169 ONeil Dec. 3, 1.946 2,487,434 Geiss et al. Nov. 9, 1949 2,494,456 Still Jan. 10, 1950 2,496,258 Alexander Feb. 7, 1950 2,498,147 Alexander Feb. 21, 1950 2,585,286 Tubbs Feb. 12, 1952 

